Richard F. DeBellis, 92, died peacefully at home on Thursday, January 1, 2015. He was a native and life-long resident of Hartford. Richard was educated in the Hartford Public School system and was a graduate of the University of Hartford. As a Marine Corps veteran of World War II, Richard served in the South Pacific. He was employed by the Hartford Insurance Group for 35 years. He will forever be remembered for his love of music, ballroom dancing, and the game of golf. His singing renditions of old-time favorites will be missed by his family.
Richard was predeceased by his loving wife Jean (Smith) DeBellis. He is survived by his sons Richard M. and Mary DeBellis of West Hartford, Joseph and Nora DeBellis of Easton, his daughters Mary and Fred Lewchik of Newington, and Jeanne Anne and Chris Lindgren of West Hartford. He was the proud and loving grandfather of 14 grandchildren, Heather Strauss and husband Karl, Brent Lewchik and wife Jami, Bryan Lewchik and wife Megan, Michael DeBellis and wife Kelly, Beth Anne DeBellis, David DeBellis, Lindsey DeBellis, John DeBellis, Elizabeth Lindgren, Julia Lindgren, Mary Lindgren, Christopher DeBellis, Kathleen DeBellis, Julianne DeBellis, and 7 great-grandchildren who brought laughter and joy to his life. He also leaves his dear friend Mary of 10 years.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 5, 2015 at 9:00AM from the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke., Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustine Church, 10 Campfield Ave., Hartford, at 10:00AM. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Family and friends may call at the Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, Sunday, January 4th, from 4:00PM-7:00PM. Donations in his memory may be made to the Food Pantry of St. Augustine Church. The family wishes to thank the devoted team of Masonicare Hospice of East Hartford for their support and loving care. To share a memory with the family please visit www.dillonbaxter.com.